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| Programs & Projects Learning, Research, & Community Pilot Project (LRC) The Learning, Research, & Community Pilot Project (LRC), is a collection of courses that offer opportunities for students to do community based research projects and internships in conjunction with their course work. This project is coordinated by the Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning. The aim of these courses is to further enrich the academic experience by creating opportunities for students to connect the theories, methods, and ideas taught in the classroom to “real world” experiences in the community. Last spring, the LRC was piloted in six primarily undergraduate courses across the University. Students were placed in over 30 non-profit organizations throughout greater Boston. Many placements are with Harvard’s Phillips Brooks House Association and Public Service Network programs. We will continue working with these organizations. FAQ Q: What is the Learning, Research & Community (LRC) Pilot Project? A: It is a teaching method whereby students learn and develop through active participation in thoughtfully organized projects or internships that are integrated into discipline-based academic curricula. Q: How do I register as a student in an LRC course? A: The courses are listed above. Register for them in the usual way. Once you are confirmed in a course, you will be given an internship placement or research project, or, with the approval of the course head, you may work for an organization with which you already are involved. Q: I am teaching a course which I think fits the definition of Learning, Research & Community course. Is there a special designation for these types of courses in the course catalog? A: No. At this time, courses identified as LRC will be announced and advertised through the Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning. Q: I would like to include LRC in my course's curriculum, but I'm not sure where to start. What resources are available on campus to get me up to speed this type of teaching and learning? A: Contact the Bok Center for Teaching and Learning. It is the facilitating agency for academic community based learning at Harvard. The Bok Center is located in the Science Center, Room 318. You can call Ronda Jackson, the LRC Pilot Project Coordinator, at the Bok Center: 617-495-4869, or email her at rjackson@fas.harvard.edu. Q: Where can I find information about LRC pilot project courses? A: Lists of current courses and placement organizations are given on this page. Q: What opportunities are there for faculty to learn more about the Learning, Research and Community Pilot Project? Also, are there grants and other forms of financial assistance available for faculty who wish to offer a LRC course? A: The Bok Center offers workshops and one-on-one training for faculty members interested adding LRC to their course. If interested in attending a workshop or training please contact Ronda Jackson, LRC Pilot Project Coordinator, at 617-495-4869 or rjackson@fas.harvard.edu. Currently there is no financial assistance available for faculty who wish to offer a LRC course. Q: Are there opportunities for graduate teaching fellows to learn about the Learning, Research, & Community Pilot Project? A: The Bok Center offers workshops and one-on-one training for graduate teaching fellows interested in LRC. If interested in attending a workshop or training please contact Ronda Jackson, LRC Pilot Project Coordinator, at 617-495-4869 or rjackson@fas.harvard.edu. Currently there is no financial assistance available for faculty who wish to offer a LRC course. Q: I would like to find an agency I can work with for Learning, Research, & Community Pilot Project course I want to offer. Is there a campus resource that can provide me with a list of agencies I can partner with? A: The Bok Center can assist you in finding the right agency for your course. For assistance please contact, Ronda Jackson, LRC Pilot Project Coordinator, at 617-495-4869 or rjackson@fas.harvard.edu. Q: Is the Learning, Research and Community Pilot Project Pilot Project being evaluated? A: A comprehensive evaluation of students, teaching staff, and agencies who participated in the pilot program is underway. The initial evaluation feedback from last spring's LRC courses and placements is extremely positive (see the testimonials given below). People Advisory Committee James Wilkinson Christopher Winship Doris Sommer Gil Noam Staff Ronda Jackson Testimonials "I loved having the opportunity to do academic research that would benefit a nonprofit organization. Most of my classes at Harvard have not shown how the material was applicable to the outside world and solving social problems. This class was different, and as a result it was both challenging and rewarding. I really enjoyed the cases we read for class, as well. The professors and teaching fellow were very approachable and great mentors to us for our projects and ideas about social change." -- Harvard Undergraduate Student "This course was amazing - I recommend it to all my friends who show interest and think there should be more opportunities like this at Harvard!" -- Harvard Undergraduate Student "Having these hands-on "lab" type field placements adds a new dimension to the teaching and learning experience." -- Harvard Faculty Member "I think this was challenging, but rewarding effort for the teaching staff and students." -- Graduate Teaching Fellow |
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RALLY Past Projects Harvard Afterschool Initiative Boston Afterschool for All Partnership GEAR UP
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